What Accessories Should I Wear with a Bridesmaid Dress?

Bridesmaid dress accessories include jewelry, shoes, clutches, and wraps that match the dress neckline and formality level. Choose one statement piece only—earrings or a necklace, not both.

Metallic shoes in gold, silver, or nude work with most dress colors. Match jewelry metal tones across the bridal party. Allow 6-8 weeks to coordinate accessories before the wedding date.

Complete Accessory Checklist

Accessory Type	Essential Items	Optional Items	Timing to Purchase
Jewelry	Earrings, bracelet	Necklace (if neckline allows)	4-6 weeks before
Shoes	Heels or dressy flats	Backup flats for reception	6-8 weeks before
Bag	Small clutch or wristlet	None needed	3-4 weeks before
Hair Accessories	Hairpins, clips	Floral pieces, combs	4-5 weeks before
Cover-ups	Shawl or wrap	Jacket, cardigan	3-4 weeks before

 

Step 1: Choose Jewelry by Neckline

Strapless & Sweetheart Necklines

Best Jewelry Choices:

• Statement necklace (16-18 inches)
• Pendant necklaces that sit above dress line
• Chandelier or drop earrings
• Tennis bracelet or bangle

What to Avoid:

• Choker necklaces (compete with neckline)
• Long necklaces below 20 inches
• Oversized collar necklaces

Styling Tips: Choose either a statement necklace OR bold earrings. Pair statement earrings with a simple bracelet for balance. Keep necklaces centered and sitting flat against skin.

V-Neck & Plunge Styles

Best Jewelry Choices:

• Y-shaped or lariat necklaces
• Simple pendant (18-20 inches)
• Stud or small drop earrings
• Delicate chain bracelet

What to Avoid:

• Round or princess-length necklaces
• Horizontal or choker styles
• Chunky jewelry that fills the V

Styling Tips: Follow the V-shape with your necklace line. Keep jewelry simple to maintain the elegant neckline. A single pendant works better than layered chains.

Halter & High Necklines

Best Jewelry Choices:

• Statement earrings (studs or drops)
• Bold cuff bracelet
• Stacked bangles
• Ring set

What to Avoid:

• Any necklaces (neckline is the statement)
• Collar necklaces
• Long pendants

Styling Tips: Skip the necklace entirely with these necklines. Focus on earrings that frame your face. Add interest with bracelets or cocktail rings instead.

Off-Shoulder & Bardot Styles

Best Jewelry Choices:

• Short necklace (14-16 inches)
• Collar or statement necklace
• Medium drop earrings
• Simple bracelet

What to Avoid:

• Long necklaces that hang too low
• Overly delicate pieces (lost against exposed shoulders)
• Chunky earrings with statement necklace

Styling Tips: Balance the exposed shoulder line with jewelry. A statement necklace fills the space nicely. Keep earrings medium-sized to avoid overwhelming the look.

One-Shoulder & Asymmetric Necklines

Best Jewelry Choices:

• Earrings on the exposed side
• Asymmetric necklace or single shoulder piece
• Bracelet on opposite wrist from strap
• Simple studs

What to Avoid:

• Centered statement necklaces
• Heavy jewelry that competes with asymmetry
• Matching, symmetrical pieces

Styling Tips: Embrace the asymmetry in your accessories. Wear a statement earring on the bare shoulder side. Keep the strapped side minimal for balance.

Square & Straight-Across Necklines

Best Jewelry Choices:

• Short pendant (16 inches)
• Delicate chain necklace
• Stud or small hoop earrings
• Simple bracelet

What to Avoid:

• Statement necklaces (compete with strong neckline)
• Chunky or busy jewelry
• Long, dangling pieces

Styling Tips: The neckline creates a strong horizontal line. Keep jewelry simple and understated. A delicate necklace adds just enough sparkle.

Step 2: Select the Right Shoes

Shoe Styles by Dress Length

Floor-Length Gowns:

• Closed-toe pumps (heels hidden)
• Block heels for stability (2.5-3.5 inches)
• Metallic or neutral finishes
• Comfortable heel height for 6-8 hours

Tea-Length Dresses:

• Pointed-toe heels or flats
• Strappy sandals for summer
• Kitten heels (1.5-2 inches)
• Shoes visible, so style matters

Knee-Length & Cocktail Styles:

• Classic pumps or dressy flats
• Ankle-strap heels
• Ballet flats for casual weddings
• Match formality to venue

Color Coordination Guide

Dress Color Family	Best Shoe Colors	Alternative Options	Avoid
Jewel Tones (emerald, navy, burgundy)	Gold, champagne, nude	Black, bronze	White, neon
Pastels (blush, sage, lavender)	Silver, nude, rose gold	Light gold, champagne	Dark brown, black
Neutrals (taupe, grey, champagne)	Nude, silver, gold	Metallic tones	Bright colors
Bold (red, royal blue, purple)	Nude, black, gold	Silver, metallic	Matching exact color
Dark (black, charcoal, chocolate)	Silver, gold, nude	Champagne, rose gold	Bright white

Heel Height & Comfort

High Heels (3-4 inches):

• Best for formal, black-tie weddings
• Requires practice walking beforehand
• Bring backup flats for reception
• Consider heel cushions or inserts

Medium Heels (2-3 inches):

• Comfortable for most bridesmaids
• Works for all formality levels
• Stable for outdoor venues
• All-day wear without pain

Low Heels & Flats (1-2 inches or flat):

• Ideal for outdoor or casual weddings
• Most comfortable option
• Must be dressy (not casual sandals)
• Great for all-day events

Practical Tips: Break in shoes 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Wear them around the house for 30-minute sessions. Add gel inserts or heel grips for comfort. Keep backup flats in your clutch or car.

Step 3: Pick the Perfect Clutch or Bag

Clutch Size & Style Guide

Small Clutches (6-8 inches):

• Hold phone, lipstick, tissue, mints
• Best for formal weddings
• Carried or has wrist strap
• Minimal bulk in photos

Medium Clutches (8-10 inches):

• Fit more essentials comfortably
• Work for semi-formal events
• Can include small cosmetic bag
• Still photo-friendly size

Wristlets & Envelope Styles:

• Hands-free option during ceremony
• Secure with strap
• Modern, sleek look
• Easy to hold during photos

Clutch Color Matching

Metallic Options (Most Versatile):

• Gold clutches: burgundy, navy, emerald, warm tones
• Silver clutches: dusty blue, lavender, cool tones
• Rose gold clutches: blush, mauve, champagne, sage
• Champagne clutches: works with nearly everything

Neutral Options:

• Nude or beige: all colors
• Black: formal events, dark dresses only
• White or ivory: avoid (reserved for bride)
• Taupe: pastels and earth tones

What to Carry Inside:

• Phone and charging cable
• Lipstick in your shade
• Blotting papers or powder compact
• Breath mints or gum
• Small tissue pack
• Bobby pins (3-4)
• Safety pins (2-3)
• Band-aids (1-2)
• Pain reliever tablets

Step 3: Select Cover-Ups & Wraps

Cover-Up Options by Season

Spring & Summer Weddings:

• Lightweight pashmina or shawl
• Lace bolero or shrug
• Organza wrap
• Needed for air-conditioned venues only

Fall Weddings:

• Cashmere or wool wrap
• Long-sleeve shrug
• Velvet or satin shawl
• Useful for outdoor photos

Winter Weddings:

• Faux fur stole or shawl
• Long wool coat (removed for ceremony)
• Thick pashmina
• Essential for outdoor portions

Color Coordination for Wraps

Safe Color Choices:

• Ivory or champagne (works with everything)
• Match your dress color exactly
• One shade lighter than dress
• Metallic (gold, silver) for formal events

Avoid:

• White (reserved for bride)
• Clashing colors with dress
• Heavy patterns or prints
• Overly casual materials

When to Wear Cover-Ups

During Ceremony:

• Churches with modesty requirements
• Strapless dresses in religious venues
• Outdoor ceremonies in cold weather

During Photos:

• Removed for most shots
• Keep on for outdoor winter photos
• Coordinate with photographer

During Reception:

• Optional after dinner
• Keep handy for outdoor spaces
• Remove for dancing

Jewelry Metal Tone Coordination

Matching Metals Across Bridal Party

All Gold:

• Classic, warm look
• Works with warm dress colors
• Yellow or rose gold options
• Traditional and timeless

All Silver:

• Modern, cool-toned
• Works with cool dress colors
• White gold or platinum look
• Contemporary feel

Mixed Metals (Advanced):

• Only if bride approves
• Keep one metal dominant
• Requires careful coordination
• Not recommended for formal weddings

Personal Metal Preferences

Warm Skin Tones:

• Gold jewelry flatters most
• Bronze and copper also work
• Yellow gold over white gold

Cool Skin Tones:

• Silver jewelry flatters most
• White gold and platinum
• Rose gold can work as a bridge

Neutral Skin Tones:

• Can wear any metal tone
• Match to dress color instead
• Stick with bridal party choice

Accessory Mistakes to Avoid

Common Jewelry Errors

Overdoing It:

• Wearing statement necklace AND statement earrings
• Too many bracelets (more than 2)
• Rings on every finger
• Layered necklaces with formal gowns

Underdoing It:

• Completely bare (adds interest)
• Mismatched metals within your own outfit
• Forgetting to remove everyday jewelry

Timing Issues:

• Ordering accessories too late
• Not breaking in jewelry (earring backs)
• Forgetting to remove smart watches

Shoe Selection Mistakes

Poor Choices:

• Unworn, brand-new shoes on wedding day
• Heel height you can’t walk in
• Outdoor wedding with stiletto heels
• Visible athletic socks with dress shoes

Color Errors:

• Exact color-matching (looks forced)
• White shoes (unless approved by bride)
• Neon or overly bright colors
• Shoes that clash with dress undertones

Comfort Oversights:

• No backup flats for dancing
• Skipping blister prevention
• Ignoring weather (open-toe in snow)
• Shoes too tight or too loose

Bag & Clutch Mistakes

What Not To Do:

• Large handbags or totes during ceremony
• Visible logos or brand names
• Casual crossbody bags
• Carrying clutch in every photo

Practical Errors:

• Clutch too small for essentials
• No plan for clutch during ceremony
• Forgetting to designate bag-holder
• Overstuffed, bulging clutch

Accessory Shopping Timeline

 

Weeks Before Wedding

Start Shopping For:

• Shoes (allow time for breaking in)
• Basic jewelry pieces
• Clutch or small bag

Action Items:

• Confirm metal tone with bride
• Check dress neckline for jewelry needs
• Measure heel comfort level

Weeks Before Wedding

Finalize Purchases:

• All jewelry pieces
• Backup flats if needed
• Hair accessories

Action Items:

• Start breaking in shoes
• Test jewelry with dress
• Coordinate with other bridesmaids

Weeks Before Wedding

Last Additions:

• Wrap or shawl if needed
• Emergency kit items for clutch
• Any specialty accessories

Action Items:

• Do a complete outfit try-on
• Practice walking in heels
• Ensure all accessories fit properly

Weeks Before Wedding

Final Checks:

• All accessories clean and ready
• Shoes broken in comfortably
• Backup items purchased

Action Items:

• Pack accessories safely
• Label everything with your name
• Create checklist for wedding day

Frequently Asked Questions

Should all bridesmaids wear the same accessories?

No, bridesmaids don’t need identical accessories. Match the metal tone (all gold or all silver) and keep formality consistent across the group.

Individual earring styles or bracelet choices add personality. The overall look should be cohesive, not matchy-matchy. Coordinate with the bride and other bridesmaids before shopping.

Can I wear my own jewelry or should I buy new pieces?

You can absolutely wear jewelry you already own. Check that metal tones match the bridal party choice and the style suits the wedding formality.

Vintage or sentimental pieces work beautifully if they fit the neckline. New jewelry isn’t necessary unless your existing pieces clash with the dress or overall aesthetic.

What if my dress has a complicated neckline?

With intricate necklines, less jewelry is more. Let the dress be the statement piece. Focus on simple earrings and a bracelet instead of adding a necklace.

Halter, high-neck, and heavily embellished necklines look best with minimal jewelry. Ask the bride or seamstress for styling advice during your fitting.

How do I coordinate accessories with mixed bridesmaid dress colors?

Choose one neutral element that ties everything together. Metallic shoes in the same finish (all gold or all silver) create unity across different dress colors.

Match jewelry metal tones across all bridesmaids. Individual clutch colors can vary but should stay in the same family (all metallics or all neutrals).

Should I bring backup shoes to the wedding?

Yes, always bring backup flats or lower heels for the reception. Store them in your car or ask a family member to hold them during the ceremony.

Many bridesmaids change into comfortable shoes after photos and dinner. Your feet will thank you after 6-8 hours. Choose dressy flats, not casual sneakers.

What accessories work for outdoor weddings?

For outdoor weddings, choose block heels or wedges over stilettos. Bring a light wrap for evening temperature drops. Keep jewelry simple to avoid snagging.